"Harper Lee's 1960 classic, which has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.

The deep-south depression era epic, recounts the life of middle-aged lawyer Atticus Finch, who is appointed to defend a black man accused of assaulting a white woman.

Seen through the eys of Finch's daughter, Scout, the trial and violent attacks on their family are recounted in this timeless tale - which was adapted into an Oscar winning movie in 1962.

A spokesman for www.OnePoll.com, which conducted the research, said: "Despite To Kill a Mockingbird being written in the 1960's, it is still considered the most inspirational book.

"The novel is renowned for its warmth and humour, despite dealing with serious issues of racial inequality. The narrator's father, Atticus Finch, has also served as a moral hero for many readers over the years.

"It's interesting that the book is considered more inspirational than the bible, which many people turn to at some point in their lives."

"Harper Lee's 1960 classic, which has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.

The deep-south depression era epic, recounts the life of middle-aged lawyer Atticus Finch, who is appointed to defend a black man accused of assaulting a white woman.

Seen through the eys of Finch's daughter, Scout, the trial and violent attacks on their family are recounted in this timeless tale - which was adapted into an Oscar winning movie in 1962.

A spokesman for www.OnePoll.com, which conducted the research, said: "Despite To Kill a Mockingbird being written in the 1960's, it is still considered the most inspirational book.

"The novel is renowned for its warmth and humour, despite dealing with serious issues of racial inequality. The narrator's father, Atticus Finch, has also served as a moral hero for many readers over the years.

"It's interesting that the book is considered more inspirational than the bible, which many people turn to at some point in their lives."